Meet Our Educators

The Women’s Center’s educators are certified domestic violence and sexual assault counselors in accordance with CGS 52-146k. This gives our programs the added benefits, when necessary, of responding immediately to individual participants who are victims and facilitating a smooth transition for continuing services at our agency.

Ann Rodwell-LawtonDirector of Education, Training & Outreach

Ann earned her Master's in Social Work from Hunter College with a concentration in community organization, planning and development. She is certified as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Counselor, and has extensive knowledge of primary prevention programming. Previously, Ann was a Community Educator at the D.C. Rape Crisis Center where she conducted child sexual abuse prevention presentations in the community, reaching over 8,000 children per year. She also has experience facilitating sexual health workshops and trainings to develop political advocacy skills. Ann has been trained in many evidence-base programs including Safe Dates and Shifting Boundaries.

As the Director of Education, Training, and Outreach, Ann provides strategic direction for all department activities, and represents the Center on verious community initiatives and collaborations. Ann schedules and facilitates trainings for professionals within the community, and all adult education programs. Ann also serves as the center's Legislative Liason and oversees the center's advocacy efforts on state-level policy issues.

Gabrielle is a graduate of the University of Delaware where she earned a B.A. in Women and Gender Studies and Sociology with a degree concentration in Domestic Violence Prevention and Services. During her time at the University of Delaware, she interned at the Deleware Coalition Against Domestic Violence as the Prevention and Training Intern as well as at the Department of Women and Gender Studies on campus. After graduation, she worked as the Executive Assistant and Internship Coordinator at the Feminist Majority Foundation in Arlington, VA. Gabby manages scheduling of all youth education programs in the community. Please reach out to Gabby if you are interested in scheduling one of our youth programs.

Courtney is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University with a B.F.A in Theater Arts. She is certified in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Counseling as well as being certified under the Safe Dates program from CCADV. Courtney recently moved to the Danbury area after spending several years working as a playwright and actress in New York City. Courtney joins us after leaving a position with Broadway.com running the Broadway Classroom Program. While with Broadway Classroom, Courtney developed and produced theatrical and educational workshops for students ages 8 to 88.

Matthew is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a B.A. in English with a minor in Theater Arts. He is certified in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Counseling. Matt has been heavily involved in the Fairfield County arts community over the last 15 years, working with many local theaters in a variety of capacities; including organizing various education programs. Before joining the Women's Center full time, he was an actor in our Act Out theater program.

Cara is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island where she earned her B.A. in both Sociology and Gender Studies. She is certified as a domestic violence and sexual assault counselor. Previously, Cara worked as a Peer Advocate at the Violence Prevention & Advocacy Services at the University of Rhode Island where she provided advocacy to clients and helped conduct over 150 presentations a year to incoming freshmen, Greek life, athletes, and various clubs on campus.

Cara worked at the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Prevention and Communications Intern. She recently moved back to Connecticut from Florida where she worked with survivors of sex trafficking and as a facilitator for the My Life My Choice prevention program at Selah Freedom.